Yar’adua, ‘an embodiment of patriotism,’ as Obi, Sani eulogize late President

Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the February 25, 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has eulogized Nigeria’s late President, Umar Musa Yar’Adua as ‘embodiment of patriotism.’

Mr Obi who made the remark on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the late President, added that Umar Musa Yar’Adua ‘exemplified excellence in public service.’

Similarly, former senator representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly, Shehu Sanu, in his tribute refused to compare the late Yar’Adua with the current President, whom he simply referred to as ‘Any Aza fesin.’

Saturday, May 6 marked the 13 anniversary of the passing of ex-President Yar’Adua, who ruled from 2007 but failed died barely two years in office, with his Vice, Goodluck Jonathan completing that tenure till 2011.

The Katsina -born Yar’Adua, also a former governor of the state, succeeded Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in office.

Yar’Adua is arguably credited with returning the country to the path of peace and economic growth even in his brief reign in office; as he has also become a reference point for most Nigerians on leadership.

Writing via his Twitter handle, (@PeterObi), Saturday, Obi said the late Yar’Adua was ‘a man who understood that true governance and societal development are non-tribal, non-religious and non-partisan -and this I have always maintained.’

“President Umaru Yar’Adua was a true democrat, a detribalised leader, who desired to reposition the nation based on unity, peace and progress. He was a leader, who believed in true governance, transparency and accountability.

“He was also an embodiment of patriotism, and exemplified excellence in public service.

“He was equally a man who understood that true governance and societal development are non-tribal, non-religious and non-partisan – and this I have always maintained.

Nigerians will always remember him for good. It has been 13 years he departed this world, but the good legacies he built in the nation live on forever.  Rest on Sir! –PO”

Also eulogizing the late leader, Senator Sani, writing via his Twitter handle (@ShehuSani), Saturday, said following in the footsteps of Yar’adua is better than doing same with the current president of the country, who he refused to mention.

‘Following the footsteps of Umaru Yar’adua is better than following the footsteps of Any Aza fesin.”

Meanwhile, wife of the late president, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua has described her husband as ‘a very simple man, who was neither corrupt nor profligate.’

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, in Kaduna, Saturday, Hajoya Turai said she misses her late husband.

“Praise be to Allah. I don’t feel anything. I’m used to it. I think about him everyday. Everyday seems like any other day. The only difference is that today; people gathered to pray for him, eulogize him and I’m happy. I thank them.”

On what she remembers the day former President Yar’Adua died, and the condition she found herself after, Turai said: ”I was fasting on that day. In fact I’ve been fasting non-stop from when he fell ill, even after he died I did not stopped. So when it was time for me to break my fast, he was lying down looking at me.

“I felt he does not want me to leave. I told him I was going to break my fast. He then shook his head and I left. I was later called and I met him struggling with his breath. That moment still lingers in my mind. I even queried myself on why I left to break my fast, I should’ve stayed.

”I’m a Muslim. I know life and death are realities. I know Allah gives and takes life. So what can I do? I can only thank Allah who gave me and had taken away. I can’t be angry with Him for taking his life. Praise be to Allah.”

Speaking about Yar’Adua’s life, his character, she said: “He was simple. He was not carried away by worldly things. For example, he can be using a wrist watch continuously until the strap gets broken into two.

“Unless if I see it, he would continue to use it like that; He was a very simple person who did not attached importance to worldly things. Even leadership, Allah destined he would be but he wasn’t that ambitious about it.

“Our marriage was full of happiness. In fact people were saying they had never seen our kind of relationship. I was like a new bride everyday. That was why he always returned home straight, from the office.